From the Pelican Bay Secure Housing Unit (aka Solitary)

Like this young man who writes to us requesting a book, most incarcerated people are sincere in their desire to “…make some positive changes….” Unfortunately, our criminal justice system is geared primarily toward punishment and not to supporting positive change. There are many reasons a person might land in the SHU (Security Housing Unit, aka Solitary Confinement). This man might be there because he broke a rule, or he might be there to protect him from other prisoners. It makes no difference to us; our mission is to support him to make those positive changes he desires.

Fri, 8/24/18

To Whom it May Concern at Prison Yoga Project,

Hello, my name is __________. I am 24 years old, and I am currently incarcerated in California’s Pelican Bay SHU. A friend gave me a pamphlet about your program and told me you may be able to send me some yoga manuals and other literature on yoga. If so, please send me whatever you can. I am very interested in learning all I can about yoga. I think it may be able to help me make some positive changes in my life. Thank you so much for your time, and for what you do. I look forward to learning the art of yoga!